“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God”— 2 Corinthians 5:20.
“AMBASSADORS for Christ.” This is the title Paul gives to those who seek to carry out our Lord’s instruction as to evangelizing the nations. While our Saviour Himself is personally in Heaven, seated on the right hand of the divine Majesty (Heb. 1:3), we are called to represent Him in this world, going to rebels against the authority of the God of Heaven and earth, and pleading with them to be reconciled to Him who sent His Son in grace that all men might through Him have life and peace. We are unfaithful representatives indeed if we fail to respond to the command laid upon us, and allow our fellowmen to perish in their sins unwarned and knowing not the way of life.
This is the first great business of every member of the Church of the living God. All are called to be witnesses, according to their measure. It is ours to “go” (vs. 19), to “pray” (Matt. 9:38), and to help send forth (Acts 13:3) and sustain those who are able to leave home and friends as they hasten forth into distant lands to carry the gospel to the regions beyond (3 John 6-8).
“From the glory and the gladness,
From His secret place;
From the rapture of His Presence
From the radiance of His face—
Christ the Son of God hath sent me
Through the midnight lands;
Mine, the mighty ordination
Of the pierced Hands.”